Gospel of Mark Women and Femininity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)

Quote #7

There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem. (NRSV 15:40-41)

There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem. (KJV 15:40-41)

We learn here for the first time that there were many women among Jesus's followers. Their job? "To provide for" Jesus—that is, make his food, wash his clothes, and other things. Hmmm. Sounds fishy to us, but what do we 21st-century people know? Jesus upholds such service as the true work of discipleship (10:41-45).

Quote #8

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. (NRSV 16:1)

And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. (KJV 16:1)

These women definitely have more pluck than the male disciples, who are long gone at this point.

Quote #9

So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (NRSV 16:8)

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulcher; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. (KJV 16:8)

The whole story ends with women so afraid that they are unable to tell anyone what they saw. Of course, we have to remember that fear, miscomprehension, and failure are by no means gender-exclusive in Mark's story. That's just what happens when you attempt to follow Jesus, apparently.